In Praise of Simplicity (and Imperfection!)

In a world that seems to be increasingly chaotic and complex, simplicity can become a precious and beautiful refuge, to remind us to slow down and appreciate the most authentic joys of life. There is no better time to stop and change perspective than when you have children!

Simplicity is not just about reducing physical clutter or simplifying daily tasks. It is a state of mind, an attitude toward life that allows us to focus on the things that truly matter : love, joy, human connection.

With children, this concept becomes even more significant. We often get caught up in society’s expectations of what we should do or have to be perfect parents . But children don’t need big things to be happy; what they need is our time, our attention, simply us – in all our imperfect humanity.

Letting go of the things that don’t serve you isn’t always easy: our too many things, our crowded routines, our unrealistic expectations. But when we give ourselves permission to let go of them, we discover a sense of lightness and freedom that allows us to fully enjoy the simplest and most meaningful experiences.

With children, this often means embracing a little chaos and taking the unexpected with humor and lightness. It means focusing on the present moment rather than worrying excessively about the future or dwelling on the past. It means letting go of the desire for perfection and embracing the imperfection of the moments and people we love.

If we give ourselves a chance to see it, we discover that beauty is manifested in the little things of everyday life : a sincere smile, a spontaneous laugh, a warm hug. Even with our children we can find joy in the simplest of occasions; like a walk in the park, an evening spent reading stories, an afternoon spent playing without haste, a cake baked together, making a little mess both of ourselves and the kitchen. It is these simple moments that create lasting memories and nourish family bonds.

When we feel overwhelmed, we do this exercise: we stop, we breathe deeply, we try to focus on who we are and how we are living our life in that moment. We let go to make room for what matters, to find joy in simplicity and gratitude in the little things.